Bike Paths Peddle for Open Space Funds, Historic Preservation Projects Win Nod

CREST HAVEN – Additional money for the Middle Township-Lower Township connecting bike path, funded by Cape May County Open Space, was approved by freeholders April 11. 
The project was one of seven and four municipal bike path proposals that were explained by Planning Director Leslie Gimeno. The board approved all projects.
Because design modifications were needed on the Middle-Lower township path, an additional $146,000 was required. Added to the prior commitment by the board of $226,756, the total from the fund will be $372,991.
A section of that bike path, which would be on Atlantic Electric Co. right-of-way south of Route 47 in Rio Grande, was opposed by residents whose properties abut the right of way and path. Several appeared before both municipal and county officials last year to highlight their sentiments, generally fearing the bike path would place their homes in jeopardy and decrease home values.
Asked if the electric utility had approved the latest plan, the reply via Frank Tedesco, senior communications specialist was, “We have recently received the latest request from Middle Township regarding its plans for the bike path in Rio Grande. We are in the process of reviewing the township’s most recent request to ensure the plan details consist of a safe and viable option regarding any construction on our property.”
Stone Harbor Bike Path
Request: $182,000
Includes bike parking and amenities at 82nd Street Recreation Complex. Also a new bike parking lot at 94th Street municipal lot, and enhanced bike lane from 80th to 122nd streets.
Upper Township Bike Path
Request $500,000
Includes a pavilion, potable water, sidewalk and expanded parking lot, bike amenities, signage, and lighting. The plan incorporated funding from New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Garden State Parkway and state Department of Transportation. Total cost $750,000, with $250,000 from other government entities. It will link to Somers Point.
Dennis Township Bike Path
Request $224,000
Includes expanded bike trail to county-owned Open Space parcel, a small parking area, and connections to neighborhood trails that would lead to the recreation complex.
Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities, Inc.
Request $18,000
The project would restore a corbelled or “upside down” chimney designed by Architect Frank Furness on the Emlen Physick House in Cape May. It will replace bricks, repoint and seal the chimney, as well as reset the flashing and cap. MAC contribution is $12,000 to the $30,000 project.
Naval Air Station Wildwood
Request $107,352
The project would restore 20 telescoping doors on Hangar One, a vintage aviation facility used by the Navy in World War II. Work would replace structural steel and wood in the lower four feet of those massive doors. NASW contribution is $71,568 toward the $178,920 project.
Historic Cold Spring Village
Request $26,179
The project includes restoration of three buildings, all on the state Register of Historic Places, two of them circa 1850, and the other circa 1772. HCSV contribution of $17,453 toward the $43,632 project.
Next Step
The hearing for those projects was held that evening. There was no public comment about any of them. Gimeno then explained that the board could take formal action after 45 days.
Reimbursement by the county occurs only after applicants have paid for the completed project and the project has been inspected by the county to ensure all work has been completed.